Warm weather means many things. It’s time to begin yard work, home improvements, and spring cleaning. While you’re spending extra time and money to prepare your home for another year of wear and tear and use, don’t forget your chimney system. During a long burning season your chimney works constantly, enduring heat, weather, and wear. By the end of an average winter, even a well-constructed chimney can show damage.
Preventative Maintenance
The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends regular maintenance. Both an annual chimney inspection and regular chimney sweeps are essential for the safest and most efficient chimney system. Also, spring is the best time to schedule these chimney services. After a long winter, it can be covered in soot and creosote on the inside. In addition, snow and moisture threatening to penetrate on the outside.
Soot and Creosote and Your Chimney
Your chimney system is coated in soot and creosote by spring. All of this material should be removed before you close out your system for the off-season. If it remains through spring and summer, the warm humidity will seep in. When moisture mingles with soot, it can corrode your liner and masonry, as well as create foul odors that can permeate the air in your home.
Winter Damage and Your Chimney
During your spring cleaning, a chimney inspection is the best way to assess winter damage and correct it before spring rain appears. If there is any damage, major or minor, it can allow water into the chimney system during a wet spring and summer. Water penetration is the most damaging thing that can happen to your masonry chimney. This is because it causes damage to a chimney from the inside out, causing leaks, spalling, rust, and deterioration.
Prevent Damage Year Round
Your chimney system works for you during winter, but it still requires attention year-round. A professional chimney sweep can take measures to prevent damage to your chimney system while it’s in use for winter, and before it’s closed out for summer. At Robinson Maintenance and Repair, Inc., our technicians see winter damage every year due to neglect or improper use of chimney systems. We strive to give each of our customers the safest and most comfortable chimney experience possible. This is why we offer preventative services to keep your chimney working for you.
- Water Repellent
An RMR technician can apply ChimneySaver Water Repellent that protects your masonry from precipitation through all seasons. This “sealant” doesn’t seal moisture in like many products. It is created specifically for chimneys, allowing vapors and heat to escape, but preventing water molecules from entering. - Crown Coat
An elastomeric coating can be brushed-on and forms a waterproof membrane. This coating protects the chimney crown from water intrusion. This coating can even be applied during cold weather. - Other Services
RMR offers other important services that prevent damage to the chimney system and keep it working properly. During a chimney inspection, an expert can make sure your chimney cap and flashing is correctly placed and working properly. This will also prevent water and weather from entering your chimney system.
Remember your chimney system this spring, and we’ll make sure it’s ready for fall too!
Recent Comments